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Every so often, a screen will freeze and refuse to close using normal means. For instance, right now, I have a stubborn Internet Explorer window that won’t close when I hit the “X” icon or use the Alt + F4 key combination. I know that I can reboot or use the Task Manager to shut it down, I just haven’t gotten around to it yet today. Let’s take a look at how you might close your software screen.

Check for Dialog Boxes

Since your problem involves a software setup screen, it’s possible that there’s an open dialog box waiting for a response for you. You may not see the dialog box because it’s hidden under other windows. When this happens, you can’t close the main screen because somewhere along the line, it’s waiting for a response from you. The trick is to find the dialog box and answer its question. For example, if the dialog is asking you, “Are you sure you want to exit?” you’ll need to click “OK.” But if you can’t see this question in the first place, you can’t do so.

Start by closing or minimizing every window in search of a buried dialog box. If you have a lot of windows open, this is a bit tedious, but you’ll eventually find a dialog box if one exists.

Another tip is to use the Alt + Tab key combination to switch between open windows. First, click the Alt key and hold it down. You should see a display of icons representing open windows. Keeping the Alt key pressed, tab your way through these icons. If you see what appears to be the dialog box, release the Alt key once your tab lands on that icon.

Use Task Manager to End Task

The Task Manager is the perfect utility for this situation. In fact, I’ll use it right now to close my pesky Internet Explorer window that refuses to budge. Right-click in a blank section of your Taskbar and choose Task Manager. Now, find the Kodak setup application in the list found under the Applications tab. Highlight it and then click the End Task button. You’ll be prompted with a message. Confirm your choice to end the task. There, my Internet Explorer window has been closed successfully. Hopefully your Kodak screen closed as well.

Reinstalling the Kodak Software

Since your program froze during the install, you may need to start over with the installation. Double check the system requirements to be sure your system can handle the software. Since the installation appears to have failed midway, use the Microsoft Installer Cleanup Tool to clean up the failed installation before reinstalling. This time, make sure that all programs are closed before installing the software.

How to Stop Computer From Logging Off

How to Boot into Safe Mode

Your problem could be related to several different things, and so we can try several different solutions. First of all, in order to perform any troubleshooting tasks, you will need to log on to your computer - so you can boot up in Safe Mode. Safe Mode should allow your computer to boot and keep you logged in to Windows with limited programs running so that you can get at the problems.

To boot into Safe Mode turn your computer off normally and then reboot. As soon as the first start up page is displayed - it is usually the computer manufacturer’s brand logo - start pressing F8 to open the Advanced Menu. From this page select Safe Mode. With some luck booting into Safe Mode will allow you to stay logged on long enough to fix your computer. You don’t have to do anything to get out of Safe Mode, the time that you reboot your computer it will automatically boot into Normal Mode.

Update and Run Virus Scans

Now that you’re logged in, you can run some scans to locate and diagnose your issue. First, start with the viruses. If your computer has a malware program, the infection would have to be quite advanced to be shutting you out of your computer so you most likely would have noticed some other symptoms. In either case, you should check on the website for the company that makes your antivirus program for any recent updates and then run the scan and fix any problems it finds.

Windows Disk Checking Utilities

Now you can run the disk checking utilities that are built in to Windows operating systems.

Chkdsk in XP

If you are running Windows XP, here are the directions for Check Disk.

• Click twice on your My Computer icon, then right click on the C:/ drive
• Choose Properties and then Tools
• Find the Error-Checking list and select Check Now
• A pop up menu will open and offer you options, choose Scan For and Attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors by checking the corresponding box and then press Start

Chkdsk in Vista

If you are running Vista

• Click the Start button, then Computer
• Right click on the C:/ drive and then choose Properties, and then Tools
• Under the listing for Error Checking, select Check Now
• Check the boxes beside both of the listings offered to run a full disk scan
• Click Start

Use Restore Point to Reset Computer

If none of these options solve your problem, you can reset your computer to settings from before this error started. Power down your computer normally, and then reboot pressing F8 for the Advanced Menu. Choose Restore to Last Known Good Configuration. This will turn back time on your computer and can be used to avoid whatever happened that created the problem.

Troubleshooting a Blue Screen of Death Error

About the BSOD

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a common Microsoft Windows operating system error message that is displayed when the program encounters an error that it can’t recover from. In a situation like this, the operating system takes steps to protect the integrity and contents of the computer by shutting down, thus eliminating the chance of further damage. Sometimes BSOD errors are the result of driver failures, hardware corruption or faults in the memory, power supply, or the heating and cooling system.

Try a Power Re-boot

Sometimes a simple reboot is enough to restore regular working order, although it doesn’t sound like that worked for you, if you tried to boot into Safe Mode without success. Just to err on the side of caution, try powering down your computer and unplug its power source. Let the whole thing rest for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and boot up normally.

Recent Computer System Additions

If you have recently installed any new devices, drivers or software, there is a good chance that the BSOD problem is being caused by corrupt or flawed data on the system. Since you can’t get your computer to boot, you won’t be able to remove any new additions this way.

Using Windows System Restore

Since you weren’t able to boot into Safe Mode, you can use Windows System Restore to set your computer back to the last known good configuration. What this means is that you can turn back the time on your computer to a date before the BSOD error so that it won’t suffer these effects. You can use this utility by booting into the Advanced Menu the same way that you did to access Safe Mode. As your computer is booting up press F8, then choose “last known good configuration” from the options. You will lose any drivers, updates, or software that you have loaded since the last known good configuration, which might help you determine what the problem was. Once your computer is up and running again you should make sure that all your drivers and software programs are up to date, and that your hardware devices are properly installed.

Further Troubleshooting Tips

If the general troubleshooting tips that we cover here don’t address your BSOD problem, you should make note of the additional information that is displayed on the blue screen and the specific error message to help narrow down the possibilities.

Fatal Error Call To a Member Function Error

About this Fatal Error

Hmm, this is a little strange. It seems that the fatal error that you are describing is related to computer programming and open source code, but it doesn’t sound as though you are attempting these kinds of procedures. In general, fatal errors are caused by computer program problems that cause the program to stop working and shut off. If a problem encounters a problem that it can’t recover from, it will shut down to prevent any further damage. Unfortunately, when you do encounter a fatal error any recent and unsaved data will most likely be lost.

Troubleshooting Fatal Errors

There are a number of reasons that a computer might encounter a fatal error, including an illegal or unauthorized instruction or the accessing of privileged data or code. Even if you aren’t attempting to write or run open source code, you may have inadvertently accessed something that you didn’t mean to and, as a result, caused a program to shut down. There is also the possibility that there is a virus or other malware program issuing commands on your computer. Keeping your antivirus program, spyware and adware protection up to date will help reduce your risks of being hijacked while online. You should visit your security provider’s websites and look for any updates and then run the scan until they come back clean.

Seek Personalized Remote Technical Support

In order to treat the fatal error you will need to provide more detailed information, as well as specific data about the programs that are affected and what you were doing when the error was encountered. In your case, since your computer problem is complicated and will involve some personalized troubleshooting and diagnosis, I suggest that you seek the help of a technician.

At Filetonic, we suggest the remote technical services available here. Rather than taking your computer into a shop, you can start with remote support from the comfort of your home. These technicians are able to offer individually tailored advice and ask you important questions to get more information about the situation.

Troubleshooting a Non-Functioning Laptop Computer

Troubleshooting Laptop Power Issues

It is possible that you might need to take your laptop in to a shop, but there are some troubleshooting steps that you can take to resolve the problem yourself before you reach that point. You are right to start with the power cord in assessing the issue. The first thing that you should do is check whether or not the power light is coming on. If there is a light that comes on, then you can assume that there is power getting to the computer. If there isn’t a light, rebooting the power sometimes helps. Unplug the computer cord from both the wall and the computer and remove the battery. After giving the system a little time to rest, put the battery back in and reconnect the power cord. Try turning the computer on and holding the power button down for a few seconds.

Check the Disk Drive

Sometimes computers are unable to boot up if there is a CD or DVD left in the disk drive. I doubt that this applies to you, since your computer was working and then shut down but just to err on the side of caution you should ensure that there is not a disk in the drive.

Listen for Signs of Life

If your computer is still not turning on, you should listen to it for any signs of life. Generally speaking, sounds are good. Whirls and beeps indicate that the hard drive is trying to boot up and bode well that it can be repaired. Unfortunately, signs of life might indicate that your computer needs technical service. If you hear a hissing sound, it might mean that the fan is faulty or not functioning properly. When the fan goes, then the processor overheats and eventually the machine shuts down. If this is the case, you will need to take your laptop in for servicing and a new fan installation.

Consider Servicing Your Motherboard

There are also a number of other motherboard issues that your laptop could be suffering from as well as the possibility that the motherboard itself needs work or needs to be replaced. If you would like to pursue a more personalized diagnosis, we recommend the remote technical services that are available here. A remote technical assistant will be able to ask you personalized questions and help you get to the bottom of your specific issues before you take your system into the shop.

Updating to the latest version of Sun Java sometimes leads to minor problems. I say minor because they are easy to fix once you have the solution at hand. Nonetheless, until you can fix your updated Sun Java, frustration results.

It would be easier to offer a solution if I knew what the error message is. However, I will offer several common fixes. Try each of the following solutions until you discover the one that works for you.

Internet Explorer and Updates

Performance issues with Java sometimes arise due to problems with Internet Explorer. It isn’t that your Internet Explorer is faulty, but rather that you might need to update it. You need to have the latest version of IE in order for Sun Java to work properly. If you haven’t updated yet, please visit the following link: Internet Explorer Upgrade to do so.

If you already have the current version of Internet Explorer 7, then move on to a different suggestion.

Enable Sun Java in Internet Explorer

Even if your previous version of Sun Java worked for you, it is possible that the settings that allowed it to work in Internet Explorer have changed when you updated your version. It is simple enough to check this and to make any necessary changes in order to enable Sun Java in Internet Explorer. Simply follow this set of directions to enable Sun Java in Internet Explorer:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Select “Tools.”
3. Select “Internet Options” in the menu.
4. Select “Advanced.”
5. Navigate to the option to enable Java. Check off the box in front of this option.
6. Select “ok.”
7. Restart your Internet Explorer to apply the settings.

Disable Script Debugging

If the error messages are the only symptom of a problem and browsing still occurs, you can probably ignore the errors and disable script debugging, as long as the error message only appears on one or two websites. If it occurs on every website that you attempt to use, do not use this tip.

1. Open “Internet Explorer.”
2. Select “Tools.”
3. Select “Internet Options” in the menu.
4. Select “Advanced.”
5. Navigate to the option to “Disable Script Debugging” in IE 6 and check off the box in front of this option, or in IE7, navigate to the option “Display a notification about every script error” and clear the box.
6. Select “ok.”

Enable Active Scripting, ActiveX, and Java in Internet Explorer

1. Open “Internet Explorer.”
2. Select “Tools.”
3. Select “Internet Options” in the menu.
4. Select “Security.”
5. Select “Default Level.”
6. Select “ok.”